UKC

Arcteryx Squamish Hoody - Advice, Experiences, Used In Anger?

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 dustyrat 16 Jul 2011
Anyone have any "real life" experience of using the Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody?
Rather than just believing the bumf on various websites, I was wondering if anyone owns one of these, how it performs when used in anger?
Thinking of purchasing one for alpine rock trip as it comes with hood, chest pocket and stretch pu coating but they ain't cheap!
Removed User 18 Jul 2011
In reply to dustyrat:

Had mine for about a year.

Good points:
It's a great windproof for climbing, running, cycling in UK. It's very lightweight and extremely packable. I tend to just leave mine in my bag all the time - it's a perfect emergency layer for summer rock climbing trips. It also good for keeping the midges off you, but don't expect it to keep you warm and dry in an alpine storm.

Bad points - It isn't really waterproof - something to consider if you intend to use it as your only shell in the Alps.
Wonko The Sane 18 Jul 2011
In reply to dustyrat: They're not tiger proof either. Nor recommended as PPE against any of the big cats.
 Damo 18 Jul 2011
In reply to dustyrat:

I have four of them. They're maybe the best bit of outdoor clothing I've had, and I have far too much to admit on here ...

I like them because they fit me, not too baggy round the waist but wide enough across the back and shoulders. I prefer the original smock version to the current jacket version, but the latter is OK. The hood fits over a helmet and has a light wired peak, unusual for most light windproofs.

They are not robust, but they are extremely light, and for that weight, very weatherproof. I've worn one on a few Antarctic expeditions on various high peaks there, and also high on Gasherbrum 1. They're much more comfortable than any hardshell but windproof enough for just about anything. Surprisingly showerproof but certainly not waterproof, so as a consequence they actually breathe enough to climb in, unlike most tops. Over a light baselayer and light fleece midlayer I've climbed in them down to -25C or so.

If they're unavailable (often) or don't fit you well, the Patagonia Houdini is OK (baggier fit down low) and the Norrona one is quite good too.

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